Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Livestock Stakeholders for Risk-Based Control of Peste des Petits Ruminants in the Pakistan–Afghanistan Transboundary Region

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease causing substantial economic losses in endemic countries such as Pakistan. Border regions adjoining Afghanistan represent high-risk areas where the disease persists, posing a challenge to the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Organisation for Animal Health global eradication target by 2030. This persistence is largely associated with gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among livestock stakeholders.

A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted from March to August 2024 in five high-risk border districts of Pakistan (Khyber, Kurram, South Waziristan, Mohmand, and Bajaur). Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 478 livestock farmers, 25 animal traders, 13 butchers, and 79 veterinary practitioners. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals.

Awareness of key clinical signs, including diarrhea (96.6%) and oculo-nasal discharge (88.9%), was high, with veterinarians identified as the primary source of information (75.5%). Despite generally positive attitudes toward outbreak reporting (83.2%), high-risk practices persisted, particularly the introduction of animals without quarantine (82.2%). Limited vaccination coverage and reliance on clinical diagnosis due to inadequate laboratory facilities were also observed.

This misalignment between knowledge and practices contributes to the continued endemicity of PPR in the region. The findings highlight the need for strengthened cross-border coordination, improved vaccination coverage, enhanced diagnostic capacity, and targeted awareness programs. This study provides novel evidence linking stakeholder behavior to PPR persistence in a transboundary setting.